Leaf Lessons

It was about right here that I first noticed it,

several yards up the road.

Do you see it?

I couldn't figure out what it was...

until I got closer.

It was a leaf, a tiny red leaf. A little red leaf wouldn't be

unusual in October, but in June?

I looked around, but couldn't find anything with red leaves,

only the vibrant greens of early summer.

A closer inspection revealed not only the brilliant red color,

but a few imperfections as well.

As I walked, I pondered this little red leaf. It was unconcerned about being the only thing red in a world of grey and green. The fact that there were no others like it didn't keep it from being true to its beautiful, red self. Nor was it hiding its blemishes.

The conclusion I came to is this: as a Christian,

I should be more like this tiny leaf!

A Gurley Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, 

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with hast, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2: 1-20

Merry Christmas!

The Prayer Tree

This evening, I decorated our Christmas tree. As I opened the ornament box and began unwrapping the treasures within, I found myself praying. Let me show you.

This angel has been on the top of my Christmas tree every year since I've had a tree. My best friend in high school made it for me well over 30 years ago. As I put the angel in place, I said a little prayer for Debbie.

This hand-painted goose egg ornament was a gift from our dear neighbors, Bob and Jerry, for our first Christmas in our very own house. Bob and Jerry (yes, she's a she) treated us like their own children. Bob passed away several years ago, and Jerry is in assisted living now. God bless Jerry.

This pretty angel was a gift years ago from a fellow teacher and friend. I said another of many, many prayers for her as I hung it on the tree. She lost her son to suicide last May. He was 26.

 These tiny bird houses were made by another neighbor in the days long past when his hands could do such fine work. Now both he and his wife are fighting cancer. More prayers.

My big sister made this beautiful cardinal. She's traveling abroad right now and having trouble with her knee, so prayers went up for safety and no pain or stiffness.

My middle sister made this pretty one. She has blessed me with several of her handmade ornaments over the years. She's been having trouble with her feet for a while now. Praying for healing there, too.

My aunt made this lacy ornament. Can you tell she's a master at crochet? She's also in her 90s and dealing with all that brings. God bless my Aunt Mayo.

Her older sister, my Aunt Jessie, has also given me ornaments through the years. Some she made herself, and some were made by her friends in the Woman's Club. She's 98 now, and having some trouble with high blood pressure. Still more prayers.

Then there are the ornaments my mother made. She loved Christmas! I can remember watching her make beautiful things to decorate our home. She died in 2009 and I miss her more and more. Thank you, Father, for a mother who loved me.

Robin's aunts made ornaments, too. This star and ball are covered with embroidery and sequins, evidence of their fine handwork. They're all gone now, and I miss them, too. Thank you, Father, that I had the chance to know and love them.

This little dough boy was a gift from a school child and his mother, many years ago. That little boy is in law school now. My, how the years have flown. Prayers for Scott as he navigates through life.

And so it went,

unwrapping memories and prayers,

and hanging them on our tree.

When I got to the bottom of the box, the prayer tree was beautiful and my heart was full. And I think that just might be the sweetest blessing of all this Christmas.

A Quiet Thanksgivng

This is the first year in a long time that Robin and I have been at home for Thanksgiving, with just the two of us to enjoy a nice dinner. Although I missed being together with family, I have to admit it was nice not to be traveling or stressing over a dirty house and a huge meal for a houseful of guests.

I enjoyed a laid-back day, setting the table with my mother's pretty china and cooking without being in a hurry.

 

We had the usual Thanksgiving fare: turkey,

gravy,

mashed potatoes,

and green beans.

There were a also a couple of family favorites: Corn Pudding

and Cranberry Relish.

I tried a new recipe for dessert: Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie. It was... let's see... interesting! And pretty, a real pretty pie.

There was plenty of room in my day for counting blessings, and I did a lot of that. I could make a list, but suffice it to say that, despite all the change and challenge that's come my way in 2014, my life is sweet, very sweet indeed. And I'm mighty thankful to the One who's blessed me so. I hope you can say the same.